A Conversation With Donna Schlachter

Donna lives in Denver with husband Patrick, her first-line editor and biggest fan. She writes historical suspense under her own name, and contemporary suspense under her alter ego of Leeann Betts. Donna is proud to be represented by Terrie Wolf of AKA Literary Management.

What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense?Donna: The hardest part is always making sure there is a balance between the romance and the suspense. There is a reader expectation that both will be about equal, and I like to charge ahead with writing the suspense part, then find I have to go back and weave in the romance.

When do you find time to write?
Donna: I am blessed to have a husband who supports my calling to write, so I don’t work outside the home. That doesn’t mean I don’t work, though. I don’t find time to write—I MAKE time to write. I impose deadlines for myself for books I’m writing, and even when I’m not under contract, I write. I independently publish two cozy mysteries a year under my pen name, Leeann Betts, and always have several stories percolating in my head.

What is your favorite spot for reading or reflecting on your current work-in-progress?Donna: Well, that’s going to take two answers. For reading, anywhere works—I once missed my bus stop and ended up about 10 miles from where I lived when I was only seven because my nose was stuck in a book! For reflecting on my current WIP, I love museums or libraries. Both are filled with fodder for not only this story, but the next one, and the next one and. . . you get the picture.

Current book: Echoes of the HeartA mail order bride. A crippled stationmaster. No way out for either of them—except with each other. Can they surrender their hearts and find true love?